Patterson and Graham's Joyful Southern Wedding

For Patterson and Graham, a wedding filled with fun and meaningful details was the perfect representation of their relationship; laughter and togetherness paved the path for their heartfelt wedding day, nearly fifteen years after they first met.

Though they were formally introduced in fifth grade, both of their acceptances to Wofford College sparked their interest in one another. When the two announced their relationship over their freshman year winter break, friends and family were happily surprised and very supportive.

After graduation, Patterson worked for a nonprofit and Graham went on to law school. Nearly four years of long-distance dating culminated in one special weekend getaway dedicated to celebrating Graham passing the bar – or so Patterson thought. Much to her surprise, the trip began with a proposal! The couple enjoyed a few days of celebration, and the planning began shortly after that.

While initially their wedding was set to take place in Massachusetts, where Patterson had family ties, they quickly realized that wedding planning from afar was difficult. Patterson knew that if they were to be married in their home state of North Carolina, there was only one place to be married: Morning Glory Farm. After only one visit with her mom, Sharon, they booked the venue, and the countdown began.

Sharon played a significant role in creating special details for Patterson and Graham’s wedding day. As an artist and maker of all talents, Sharon designed all of the paper products, including the paintings of beautiful farm animals to highlight the uniqueness of Morning Glory Farm. She was almost commissioned to make Patterson’s gown, but after eight bridal stores, the bride found her gown, designed by a much less emotionally involved designer.

Fun details, from the chickens and cows on the stationery to the unexpected feathers in bouquets to the Wofford Terrier’s spotlight on the cocktail napkins, were original ideas that brought a personalized and lighthearted atmosphere to Patterson and Graham’s special day. From Graham’s family pastor marrying them to a family friend singing the processional, their wedding was filled with authentic and personal details.

In lieu of crafting a “trendy” wedding from a rental company, hardly any store-bought decorations were to be found. Rather, the couple hosted over 200 guests at family-style tables, adorned with nearly all the décor from her family’s home. Patterson and Sharon filled the venue with details and accessories from the home that Patterson grew up in (Patterson even considered using a family heirloom rug at the base of their altar, but given the chance of thunderstorms on their wedding day, decided against it). Guests felt at home in the comfortable and inviting atmosphere, and the décor paid homage to Patterson and Graham’s cheerful and hospitable personalities.

Brides should be encouraged by Patterson’s celebration and the inclusion of “ordinary” objects and fun ideas. Décor doesn’t need to be selected from a rental warehouse filled with trendy objects and themes, nor does it need to be a 100-year-old antique family heirloom, to create a meaningful or well-designed day. What makes a wedding day a story worth telling is the feeling it brings the bride and groom, and the happy memories it will bring them for years to come.

When Patterson and Graham look back on their wedding day, they’ll remember being surprised by their family performing an original song written just for them, dancing the night away, and sharing mementos of their love with their closest family and friends.